The former Jehovah’s Witnesses Church (they moved to new digs) at 477 Stanwich Road found a buyer after reducing its 2011 price of $2.3 million to $1.350. Merritt exposure, but four very nice acres and a church, if you want one. I know that one of our newer congregations looked at it back a year or so ago but felt that it was too far north from their current, albeit temporary quarters.

424 Stanwich Rd

And even closer, if possible, to the Merritt, 424 Stanwich, 2 acres and a 1970 house, has a buyer. Asking price, $1.395. Between these two properties, you should have a pretty good idea of the Merritt factor in lowering property values.

10 Knoll Street

10 Knoll Street, Riverside, was purchased for $2.150 in 2006, had some money put into it for renovations but couldn’t find a buyer at $2.395. The owners cut that price to $2.2, and now have an accepted offer. Nice street, good house for what it is, but there’s a limit to these things, even in Riverside.

Riverside waterfront, however, will always be in demand (until it isn’t). 4 Pilot Rock Lane, direct waterfront, came on 29 days ago at $5.495 million and has a contract.

Well maybe if they hadn’t priced it at such a bargain basement price the broker would have moved up from an agent with an iPhone to a professional photographer.
Or not: some of those people can cost as much as $150, even $200!

This property seems to have a long history of cheap listing agents– the other thing I remember about the property in 2009 was the agent had crossed out the original listing price and wrote $13,500,000 by hand on each of the MLS listing sheets–I guess it would have been too expensive to have a new one printed and photocopied

As I recalled–full of custom millwork, tile work and murals that was much more authentic to the English country manor architecture of the house–without being too formal or dark. it felt like a real family house but the formal rooms were very elegant

I actually like the new look, not sure I would’ve dumped a ton of money in it just in order to sell it. The “before” is kind of dated, especially the kitchen, but it was classic. The “after” is definitely more edgy although not distasteful by any means.

Re Lower Cross: In my opinion, to renovate in such a distinct manner may cost them some buyers. I’m not saying it didn’t need updating, but to be so taste specific means buyers are going to have to like it as is. Those kitchen floors: are they distressed? Hard to tell from the photo. Looks like water marks or dog scratches. Not appealing to me. And the bathroom sink counter that looks like 1000 people left glass water stains? What’s up with that? I’d be more apt to renovate a house that seriously needed it rather than spend money on a new renovation I hated. I’d just choose another house.